Sounders trialing Panamanian National Team winger Jairo Jimenez

It's almost time for the Gold Cup, which means it is time for a Panamanian National Team member to be linked to the Sounders. This year it is Elche Illicitano winger, Jairo Jimenez, on trial. Jimenez played five games, starting one, in the 2013 Gold Cup for Panama, including 15 minutes in a match at CenturyLink Field. A Sounder at Heart staffer believes he spotted him at the match against FC Dallas this past weekend taking in the Sounders second-half manhandling of the Texan side.

Jimenez started 15 matches, playing in 16, this season for the Elche reserve side, scoring one goal. Overall, he has six goals in 37 appearances for Elche II. With the Panamanian National Team, he scored three goals with the U20s and one insurance goal against Cuba for the senior side in the 2013 Gold Cup.

Jairo Jimenez did make the 35-man provisional roster for Panama for this year's Gold Cup and is expected to make the roster again this year. Hopefully, he is not signed by someone else during the cup like Roberto Chen. The secondary MLS transfer window opens July 8th and closes August 6th.

Full Highlights: Panama v. Cuba

Panama beats Cuba 6-1 in this one, and Jimenez scores the 5th goal in this 2013 Gold Cup blowout (GIF above). His highlight is about 1:35.